In 2012, Tareq Hadhad was studying to be a doctor in Syria, and his family owned a successful chocolate company. Things changed in an instant when bombs destroyed their home and chocolate factory. The family fled to safety in Lebanon, and three years later, were welcomed to Canada as refugees.

They settled in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, a town of 5,000 people, who rallied around the family. “I had a lot of great expectations of enjoying the freedom and human rights and all the values this country stands for,” he says. “But, as a newcomer, there were also barriers with language, skills and recognition of qualifications.” Facing too many challenges to return to medicine, Hadhad had the idea to re-establish the family chocolate business, but with a new purpose and new name — Peace by Chocolate. It’s chocolate with a message of peace, acceptance, resilience and love.